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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Ethan Lovett Hightails Out of the Country, Christian Howard Wraps His Stint

By Michael Fairman

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Christian Howard
Courtesy/ABC

That was quick! Christian Howard, who now looks to have literally stepped in for Nathan Dean to wrap up a few episodes for the character of Ethan Lovett made a quick exit on Friday’s July 31 episode of General Hospital.

GH viewers were stunned earlier this week on the Monday, July 27 episode when a voiceover announcer shared that Christian Howard was now playing Ethan Lovett. Next, Ethan hits the sheets with Ava Jerome, played by three-time Daytime Emmy-winner, Maura West. All seemed to be moving forward when suddenly at the end of the Thursday, July 30 episode, Ethan spots newcomer Hudson (Troy Lennon Appel) at the Metro Court Pool, and makes a quick getaway.

Then, it’s revealed after packing his bags at Lulu’s (Alexa Havins) house, that out of nowhere, Ethan received a lead on an incredible opportunity so he has to say goodbye to Lulu and run out of town and was leaving Port Charles.

Courtesy/ABC

RUNNING OUT OF TOWN

In fact, Ethan was in such a hurry, he forgot to say goodbye to Ava who had been waiting for him at the Metro Court pool. There is clearly a connection to Hudson and baby Phoebe after Ethan spotted the guy, because Ethan also glanced over to the baby and Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) at the Metro Court pool, before he ran to Lulu’s to pack his things. All of this points to Howard being an emergency recast for Dean.

It’s definitely been a week of change on-screen on the ABC soap with the news of Maxie, Spinelli, James, Georgie and Bailey all suddenly leaving Port Charles for Australia, after Spinelli got an offer he could not turn down.

That exit was written because Kirsten Storms is at this time,, and the very foreseeable future, not returning to General Hospital and is living in Tennessee. As she had documented via her Instagram stories and posts, she has been going through several personal ordeals. In addition to Storms, Ryan Paevey also exited the series earlier this month when he ended his run as Cassius Faison, while leaving the door open for his return down the line.

So, will newcomers Kelly Kruger (Serena Baldwin), Dean Geyer (Tristan Roberts) and Troy Lennon Appel fill the void of the multitude of exits? What are your theories on Christian Howard’s departure as Ethan Lovett on GH? Let us know via the comment section below.

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Makes no sense to me. They knew Nathan was leaving, so why not just write the character out with this exit.
.

I agree. The recast wasn’t going to work. I didn’t see any chemistry between him and Ava.

Comes down to TPTB not planning ahead.

So, it seems that Christian was only neeeded one day on set. This seems eerily similar to when Tyler Christopher departed as Nikolas. They were just going there with Nik & Ava and a temporary, but decent temporary recast stepped in for a few episodes.

Tristian and Serena seem okay so far. Not though to judge Hudson on. At least, according to the credits, Hudson is his first name and not yet another character referred to by their last name.

I agree with your analogy. TBH, I know that ND announced a new kid, but his State of Mind episode makes me think that he’s got other issues going on, too.

Sorry, but it’s Tristan, not Tristian.

Duly noted. Appreciate the catch.

You have to be careful with the soap opera spelling police.

No offense to Christian Howard who seems a likable person; but, couldn’t they have just taped Ethan’s exit with Nathan Dean an used TV magic to insert the new guy at the Metro Court? Ethan and Ava’s hotel scenes seemed a waste since Ethan was leaving anyway.

It seems more likely that Dean finished his four-month contract and they needed more time to film beyond that contract, and he was unwilling to stay, so they recast the role to finish the storyline. Disappointing but that’s how it works sometimes.

He only filmed for 3 months. The recast only was on set for 1 day (stretched out over 3 episodes).

He appeared from April 17 to July 24. That is four months’ time. Not three. And Nathan Dean was on-set from March to June, again, for four months. 😉 Dean himself said four months and that is what he did: four months.

Try again. Do the math. His last episode was July 17. April 17 – May 17 (1), May 17 – June 17 (2), June 17 – July 17 (3). Three months.

If you count that way, yes. However, counted this way: April (1), May (2), June (3), and July (4), it clearly adds up to four months. And again, he aired beyond July 17, so even by your math, he entered into a fourth month (even if not completely).

Either way, per Dean, he was contracted for four months (per his own words), and that’s clearly what he did, and he was not going to stick around beyond that because Frank, Elizabeth, and Chris continue to be too inept and unprofessional to plan a story ahead; instead, they continue to fly by the seat of their pants.

Per SOD, Dean last aired on July 17. He was removed from the cast listing on the credits the week after. I wouldn’t quote an exact date if I didn’t do my homework.

Nothing has been released as to why Dean was unavailable for his final shoot day. Are there issues to hold Frank and the writers accountable for- absolutely – but we really don’t know the whole story here.

And as far as I’ve seen, there is nothing that says Christian Howard filmed for one-day only.

Yeah, OG Steve counted it that way because that’s how time duration is counted.

If he had only been there from April 17 until the end of April we would say he had been there approximately two weeks. He had not been there one month until May 17, two months on June 17 and three months on his last day of July 17.

Thanks for explaining this Michael. I wonder what the real story behind all this is!

I think they realized it wasn’t going to work. He was terribly miscast. So instead of another recast they just had him book town.

All these new guys remind me of Dex. Why not just bring Dex back?

Because you shouldn’t make the same mistake twice.

OK, so Nathan Dean wanted a short term contract to honor Tony Geary, and they gave it to him. Fine, although I don’t think it was much of a tribute to Tony. If Christian Howard was a temporary recast to write the character out, then why didn’t Nathan stay long enough to film those scenes? Doesn’t make sense. And with Jason telling Sonny he is done, Ethan was already on canvas to fill that void.

OK, so Nathan Dean wanted a short term contract to honor Tony Geary, and they gave it to him. Fine, although I don’t think it was much of a tribute to Tony.

It was never done “in tribute” to Anthony Geary. What Nathan Dean said was he began thinking about returning to General Hospital following Geary’s death. And it wasn’t about giving it to him, either. He did not reach out to them; they reached out to him. It was Frank Valentini and Mark Teschner who reached out to him about reprising the role (due to a planned story) and he agreed.

If Christian Howard was a temporary recast to write the character out, then why didn’t Nathan stay long enough to film those scenes? Doesn’t make sense.

Because his contracted time was done, and he was likely unwilling to stick around to finish the story. They wanted three years, then two years, and he was only willing to do four months, and that’s exactly what he did.

glad he is gone was a horrible Ethan

I really liked the other Ethan very sexy and his acting was great! Why did he leave??

His four month contract that he agreed to do was done.

I don’t personally want to see an endless litany of new characters. I’d rather GH actually show characters we know but are barely used–Brad, Diane, Terry, Yuri, for instance.

Please! No more Brad!

General Hospital

GENERAL HOSPITAL: Anna Breaks Down in Front of Jason and Britt After Shots Are Fired

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Finola Hughes

The Wednesday, September 9 episode of General Hospital featured top-notch performances by Finola Hughes and Steve Burton, as Anna holds Jason and Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) at gunpoint on Mount Emerson.

Anna is not in her right mind as hallucinations of Peter (Wes Ramsey) overtake her, egging her on to shoot and kill Britt. Jason begs Anna to put down the gun, but it’s clear Anna is speaking to someone who is not there, but in a direction that is just past Britt.

Suddenly, Anna screams at Britt, “You’re just like your father!” Anna also tells Britt that she knew Britt was aware that she was locked up on Spoon Island and did nothing to save her. Britt turns to Jason and tells him she had no idea Anna was on the Island, “until Cullum showed up in Port Charles.” That declaration gave Jason pause.

Courtesy/ABC

“PETER” TAKES A BULLET

Next, Anna is overcome with angst, filled with tears and screams out, “I won’t let you beat me!” She fires the gun where the imaginary Peter was standing, as Britt screams and Jason dove to cover her. Now completely shaken, Jason took the weapon from Anna and ordered Britt to leave the scene as Anna collapsed in Jason’s arms.

Jason was so concerned for Anna. She reveals she’s been seeing visions of Peter August since France. Jason shared his theory with Anna that she was manifesting her worst fears about Faison. However he knows deep down Anna would never have shot Britt. Jason promises to come back and clean up the area, but would take Anna home first.

Jason

Courtesy/ABC

ANNA ADMITS TO EMMA SHE TRIED TO KILL BRITT

At Anna’s, Jason brings her in the front door as Emma is there. Jason tells Emma (Braedyn Bruner) he would like to return and spend the night. A confused and worried Emma get the full story from her grandmother.

Anna explains she tried to kill Britt and she is not as well as she was pretending to be in France. Cut to: Jason cleaning up the site of Anna’s plot against Britt on Mount Emerson. He moves over and finds bullet casings on the ground and examines one of them.

The story climax also signaled the end of the run for Wes Ramsey, who has been showing up on episodes over the last several months as Anna’s dark side conscience. Now that Anna was able to break the psychological hold visions of “Peter” had on her, it ends this latest return of Ramsey’s.

So, what did you think about the scenes between Anna and Jason? Do you think Jason and Britt’s relationship will come to an end now that seemingly Britt revealed she knew Anna was held captive after Cullum came to town? Glad to know Anna won’t be haunted by visions of Peter August anymore? Weigh-in via the comment section below.

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GENERAL HOSPITAL: Did Brook Lynn Deserve Chase Walking Out on Her?

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Brook Lynn

The marriage of Brook Lynn Quartermaine (Amanda Setton) and Harrison Chase (Josh Swickard) may have come to an end by the conclusion of the Tuesday, September 8 episode of General Hospital.

In story, confronted by Trina (Tabyana Ali), and in front of a room full of Quartermaines, Brook Lynn copped to being the other driver involved in the crash that scarred Jordan’s (Tanisha Harper) face and ultimately sent Curtis (Donnell Turner) to prison.

Chase, who thinks at this point Brook Lynn was covering up her involvement by protecting someone else in the family is shocked to learn it’s Brook Lynn who actually was the driver. Brook Lynn explains she never saw any evidence of a crash when she ran into Jordan’s car, so she didn’t stop to check on anyone. Trina and Jordan are outraged as is Chase.

Chase

Courtesy/ABC

CHASE PUTS BROOK LYNN ON BLAST

Soon, it comes out that Tracy (Jane Elliot) was involved in the cover-up, and tries to point out that Brook Lynn wasn’t responsible for causing the accident or Curtis punching Isaiah, but Trina says that Brook Lynn tore her family apart, and her father is in prison without the ability to see his newborn son. Trina storms out with Kai (Jen Austin Astrup).

Next, Chase goes on blast on Brook Lynn in front of her entire family. Chase starts to walk out the front door as Brook Lynn tries to stop him. At this point, Chase is all about being lied to, and he goes in on his wife, that they promised there would be no more secrets between them.

Brook Lynn digs a deeper hole for herself when she explained that she’d had a glass of wine before getting in the car to see Gio (Giovanni Mazza) and Trina perform at Charlie’s. She admits to being terrified that she’d lose any chance of adopting baby Phoebe, if she called the police.

TO THE GATEHOUSE HE GOES

Chase is furious that Brook Lynn framed Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) for what she caused and did. With that, Chase leaves Brook Lynn in the dust and heads straight to the gatehouse door to see Willow!

Cut to: Brook Lynn devastated on the staircase of the Q mansion and her dad, Ned Ashton (Wally Kurth) sitting with his daughter to try to comfort her when she decrees her marriage is over.

Now in the pick-up, take a look at the General Hospital teaser video for today’s Wednesday, September 9, episode below.

So, what did you think of how Brook Lynn’s life just blew up in front of her? Does she deserve to have Chase walk out on her for what she did? Do you want Brook Lynn and Chase to work things out, or are you betting by the end of this week Chase and Willow will have hit the sheets? Share your thoughts in the comment section.

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‘General Hospital’ Fall 2026 Preview: Unexpected Arrivals and Romance; Sonny and Drew at War, What Happened to Jack?

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General Hospital Fall Preview

General Hospital’s co-head writers, Chris Van Etten and Elizabeth Korte have given the ABC daytime drama’s fall preview of what to look for in the months ahead in Port Charles.

According to the scribes, as told to TV Insider,  “Unexpected arrivals, unexpected romance and unexpected connections,” are the order of the season, plus, “secrets are going to be exposed that will upend lives for better and worse — and new secrets will need to be kept.”

In the relationship department, don’t expect everything to go the way you may think! Let’s take a look at some of the highlights that point to some major moments in the near future on GH.

Photo: ABC

ROMEO AND JULIET

“The conflict between Sonny (Maurice Benard) and Drew (Cameron Mathison) will continue to build with potentially fatal consequences,” shared the head writers as Scout (Kayden Brenna Tokarski) and Rocco’s (Finn Carr) relationship gets more solid, the more it will be tried to be pulled apart, especially by Drew. This is what they are calling their “Romeo and Juliet” young love story.

BURYING JACK BRENNAN

Nina (Cynthia Watros) will be in the hot seat, thanks to evidence planted by Drew and Carly (Laura Wright) overhearing her threatening the MIA Jack. According to the GH head writers, “Nina may face a dark future — but perhaps not as dark a future as those who seek her downfall.” Meanwhile Ava (Maura West) and Drew’s unholy alliance will have “repercussions for years to come.” Let’s not forget they buried Jack’s body.

JASON AND BRITT MAY NOT LAST

Those who wanted Jason (Steve Burton) and Britt’s (Kelly Thiebaud) romance to come to an end, may get their wish! As the head scribes shared, “Decisions Britt made to stay alive while under (Ross) Cullum’s thumb will come back to haunt her and may prove too difficult for this unlikely couple to survive.”

Photo: ABC

ANNA’S BREAKING POINT AND CAN VALENTIN STAY AWAY ?

As for Anna Devane (Finola Hughes), who Jason is trying to save and who has lost her way (thanks to visions of Peter August) and being gaslighted by Cullum and company, it will, “lead to her breaking point and  may lead another person to an early grave.” On that note, Carly and Valentin’s (James Patrick Stuart) relationship is tested after his attempt to buy back Spoon Island. Only problem is someone else got their first, and it may be hard for Valentin to deny his feelings for Anna aren’t greater than he thinks.

Photo: ABC

BROOK LYNN’S LIFE AS SHE KNOWS IT BLOWS UP IN HER FACE

The writers added, “Brook Lynn (Amanda Setton) and Chase (Josh Swickard) face a turning point. Her secret may finally unravel their marriage; worse, it may leave the family vulnerable when someone comes calling with a claim on Phoebe.” Will Chase now hop between the sheets with his ex Willow? And, will Hudson (Troy Lennon Appel) stake his claim to be the father of the little Phoebe? How can Brook Lynn’s life as she knows it survive this?

TRINA’S STALKER … WHO IS IT?

Does Trina (Tabyana Ali) have a stalker … or a true number one genuine fan? Whatever the case, something ominous is going to happen to Kai (Jen Austin Astrup), when the GH writers shared, “Kai is true blue and will step up to defend Trina— but his closeness to Trina may prove detrimental to his health.” In addition, the stalker situation pairs up Emma (Braedyn Bruner) and Trina to try get to the bottom of who is behind it, but in doing so, may have put a target on Emma’s back.

Photo: ABC

‘BLOODY’ SITUATION WHERE JOSSLYN IS CONCERNED

Josslyn  Eden McCoy) gets new orders from the WSB after Brennan goes missing, and things may get “bloody” report the writers. They add, “Joss has her sights set on Sonny — but she’s a target, too. JJE is a big prize, and she isn’t the only one entitled to it.” Who else could be?

Photo: ABC

PAST ROMANCE FOR ALEXIS COMES BACK AROUND

Could Alexis (Nancy Lee Grahn) and Ric (Rick Hearst) find themselves in each other’s arms? According to the GH head writers, “A past romance will rear its head in a surprising way,” for Alexis. Who else could it be if not Ric, who may feel jilted by Elizabeth (Rebecca Herbst) if she and Dante (Dominic Zamprogna) get any closer? Might it be the return of Jerry Jacks?

MICHAEL AND JORDAN BECOME CLOSE

Michael (Rory Gibson) and Jordan (Tanisha Harper) will develop a “special bond” while working together at Aurora and while Curtis (Donnell Turner) is away in prison. However, “a face from Jordan’s past will complicate her future. We’ll start to learn more about the woman Jordan was before she ever joined the DEA and came to Port Charles.” Is this William Baines (Alimi Ballard) or someone else yet to arrive? Stay tuned.

So, which of the story points listed above pique’s your interest the most? Are you excited about the fall on General Hospital? Let us know your thoughts via the comment section.

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